I want a Boxer puppy......

[z31maniac]

Am I misguided?

Thoughts from dog lovers/owners/vets?

[pureaudio]

I like boxers a lot, 3 of my siblings have them and they are great family dogs. I've debated on getting one for my son and their advice is to get dog training early on if you can't do it yourself, they can be terrors if untrained.

[z31maniac]

Not surprising, and we are an active couple, in other words, on top of having s big yard, I would take the dog on 2-3 mile walks 4-5 times a week.

[FLYNAVY]

Not surprising, and we are an active couple, in other words, on top of having s big yard, I would take the dog on 2-3 mile walks 4-5 times a week.

Probably a good dog for you then. I know a couple people who have had them, and they are good, fun, enjoyable dogs. They aren't the smartest breed from what I've seen, but they are really good natured and love to be around people/play. The only downsides I can think of is that they are prone to hip probems, and some cosmetic skin infections. That and they love to shake their heads and splatter slobber everywhere (or just get it on you when they brush their jowls past your pants). Good luck, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

[z31maniac]

^This is the type of input we are looking for. What you describe is what we are looking for, but if their may be a better fit, we are completely open to that as well.

[briansjacobs]

please avoid breeders and puppy mills. Check with Boxer rescue groups and shelters, some of the best dogs are rescue dogs!

[KenC]

I've grown up with Boxers over the last 15 years and volunteer with dogs every week. Boxers are a very dynamic breed; some are very mellow and easy going, and others are very active and "high maintenance." I wouldn't say that they require a large yard, but exercise is good for any animal.

This is my parents' Boxer, "Tony" (obviously I snapped the pic on my phone bc his lip got caught on his tooth).

[416stroker]

Boxers are cool but You should make sure its brindle

[mrsleeve]

Never been a big fan of boxers my self, so to be honest know little about the breed.

If you are active a German Shepard, is a wonderful breed they are loyal, can be fiercely protective of your family but tend to que off of their owners (if you look nervous or uneasy he will step in and do his job in the pack and defend you, if you are fine with the situation he will be cautious but friendly). They are very very smart, and train easy with some very complex behaviors. Good with kids and other pets 99% of the time, they do shed but its manageable
Cons of course the reputation that has been given to them by shitty owners, Hip issues (shitty breeders) and they do like to roam and "heard" things this can be be hard on the neighbors cats, Yorkie, chickens or what ever. Most of the time the Roaming thing can be trained outta them and you can even get to where you can walk them off leash or just let them out in the yard with no containment with great confidence.

I grew up with GSD and love them I need to get another one some time here as our last one died a couple of years ago. I would say Husky as thats what we have now, but the activity level you speak of is ehhh for them (mine is has learned to be lazy) But they are hyper, not good guard dogs (love every one) and the HAIR oh GOD the HAIR I love my arctic dogs too but they are more work than GSD's. They both have their place in our home though.

The key to a good GSD is a good reputable breeder they can be costly but when you go this route you get good dog that will more than likely not have hip issues or crazy issues and not be trainable

[whodwho]

Boxers are a great breed, they do require lots of exercise or they can be destructive to the house from boredom having two helps keep them busy. They can have some health issues but it seems most full breed dogs do. If you need any info my wife is very active on Boxer forums and should be able to answer any Qs.

[ZM Blue Devil]

go to local pound adapt a mix. We had a boxer/pit mix(Zeus), greatest dog ever. Now we have a besingee/pit mix Pogo. So many great dogs at the local rescue.

[der affe]

if you are looking for a large protective dog rottis are also excellent IF BOUGHT FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER. i walk mine about 3 miles a day and he would keep walking until he collapsed just to be with m. incredibly loyal. great with kids (i had a roommate with a 2 y/o who used to go for rides on his back and the dog would actually lay there and wait for his so to get on)

there are hip problems (look at the OFAs of the parents and look for V Rated hips), there can be temprament issues, and they can get big (mine is 135ish lbs). all of these are solved easily with a good breeder breeding good dogs, not for profit only and early training. most good breeder will make you go through some sort of an interview process first. back yard breeders will be like "which one do you want? ok pay up!"

go and buy some book on the breed you want (or get them the library) and do lots of research BEFOREHAND. that way you will know for sure if the breed fits you and what questions to ask.

i did this for several month before buying my rotti and could not have been happier with my choice.

[scabzzzz]

Im looking into dogs right now too because im lonely and vagina isnt enough anymore. Sux man I know what you're going through.

[quikveedb2]

you said you're open to suggestions so, go GSP! german shorthair pointers were bred as hunting AND family dogs; they're high energy, but also very trainiable, they do great with kids, they're good guard dogs, loyal, smart, almost 0 aggressive behavior, and they're beautiful, imo. this is my little boy gunther, in this pic he's about 1, now he is almost 2.



he is the most amazing dog i've ever had. i bring him to work with me 4-5 days a week so he's very well socialized, he is loyal to a fault, very trainable since he responds to both food & play for training purposes, gets along with EVERY dog he's ever met, never has issues with kids. they have minimal health issues since they were bred from many different breeds, and living to 14-16 years is not uncommon.

[BenM]

Another one to consider along with the GSP is a Vizsla. My sister picked hers up in January and she is awesome. Super high energy that need plenty of running around, but really affectionate, great temperment and obedient.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vizsla